In the final episode of our special series on gun culture in the United States, 'A Nation at Gunpoint,' we're looking at the controversies surrounding gun control in American society. We'll also be finding out what progress some civil organizations have made to tackle gun control, while the government faces huge obstacles to take measures.
It was a winter day in 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. No one waking up that morning could ever have imagined that a mass shooting would take place in the local elementary school, Sandy Hook. More than 20 students and teachers were shot.
Four years on and two groups of people, supporters and opponents of gun control, met on the street near the school, behind them, the headquarters of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
"You can't fix crazy, so people need to have the right to be prepared to defend themselves..." Person opposing gun control said.
"We are all grieved, and we think we are trying to turn that into action, and make a difference so that fewer communities have to suffer...." Person in favor of gun control said.
Amid such sharply conflicting opinions, it's hard for the federal government to take effective measures across the country.
So, people in favor of tighter gun control regulations have found ways to implement their own measures.
Ralph Fascitelli was one of a group of people that introduced the Washington Initiative-594.
It's a bill that went into effect in November 2014, which requires every person in the state wishing to buy a firearm to undergo background checks.
Washington is the 18th state in the country to introduce the regulation.
"The significance is Washington State is the first state to have . ... for universal background checks," Head of Washington Ceasefire Ralph Fascitelli said.
The people behind Washington Initiative-594 had to spend large sums of money to launch a civil referendum. Fortunately, several celebrities including Bill Gates supported the idea.
Support also came from the local judicial department which gave important momentum to the initiative.
Dan Satterberg is a prosecutor of King County, Washington. He was also among those who backed the initiative.
"I find myself in the middle, I understand both ....... are they illegally allowed to have it?" Prosecutor Dan Satterberg said.
"Signs gathering is hard. You know, if lucky you can do....... so we have the necessary signatures and that one on the bill," Fascitelli said.
The initiators of the bill were able to raise a significant sum of money in a short time.
They also managed to beat the National Rifle Association in the propaganda war which followed until the bill was finally passed...
Since it was made into law in 2014, the regulation has successfully prevented a number of unsuitable people from purchasing firearms...
"We know that criminals are not gonna follow.... when you sell, you do it legally," Satterberg said.
St . Louis is one of the most dangerous cities in the US, with one person being killed there every two days.
Christine is a painter. Families of minors killed in shooting incidents send her pictures of their loved ones. Christine then creates a painting of them as a tribute and memento.
Scores of other painters have joined her group. They have showcased their paintings across the country to promote gun control.
"I didn't know whether I was doing the right thing.. child to be remembered," Painter Christine said.
Controversies over gun control are set to dominate public discourse for a long time to come.
However, so long as the debate continues, one thing is clear - the possibility for more people to die in gun-related incidents will remain an ever-present threat.
